USPS No Longer a Shipping Option [Archive]

Dave Hughes

11-15-2005, 03:44 PM

Earlier this year we added USPS Global Express as a shipping option for international customers. We had hoped that this would be a more cost effective option for those customers - and it was for a while. Cost effective is good, unreliable shipping is bad. We experienced an extrordinary high number of lost shipments with USPS - to the point where we could no longer tolerate the poor level of performance. And when USPS loses a shipment, we have little or no recourse against them plus we have to ship the package a second time at an average cost of about $45. Add to that the fact that FedEx reduced their International Economy rates a couple of months back and that spelled DOOM for USPS.

We'll continue to try to find the most economical and reliable way to ship overseas and for now that option is FedEx Int'l Economy.

HIROGEN

11-15-2005, 05:17 PM

I dont think it's the USPS's fault, it's probably the incompetant postal service of ( Canada, Taiwan, United Kingdom, etc. ) that's giving the USPS a bad rep.

Guilty

11-15-2005, 10:32 PM

USPS? It's ovah beeotch.

Avatar_of_Chaos

11-15-2005, 10:35 PM

USPS is really good at getting packages to another country, where that country's postal service decides to use them to make cheap coffee tables and desk sets.

Cloudy Wolf

11-15-2005, 10:46 PM

Thanks for the heads up.

-megalithanod

11-16-2005, 10:59 AM

USPS is really good at getting packages to another country, where that country's postal service decides to use them to make cheap coffee tables and desk sets.

That and since people know it can't be tracked, I wonder how many actually didn't make it there and how many are just people playing the system.

flesh_gordon

11-16-2005, 11:08 AM

What does this mean for people that have already ordered a varitek? will I now be stuck with Fedex? and crappy custom brokerage?

oilersRmylife

11-16-2005, 03:13 PM

flesh_gordon

11-16-2005, 04:28 PM

***prays his order doesn't get changed to FedEx***

Dauntless

11-16-2005, 06:01 PM

USPS blows, always has. And they were costing more for me then Fed Ex anyways, so I never used it. Plus I don't trust'em.

Avatar_of_Chaos

11-16-2005, 06:20 PM

Fed ex licks bag. I just got a letter in the mail with a bill for $32 in "custom charges" for the last wharehouse find deal.
I have never had a problem with usps to Canada shipping.
fyi....just venting.

I've sent things to Canada by UPS, USPS, FedEx and DHL and it seems to be completely random on what does and does not gets customs fees and duties

Dauntless

11-16-2005, 09:36 PM

I've sent things to Canada by UPS, USPS, FedEx and DHL and it seems to be completely random on what does and does not gets customs fees and duties
If you sent it as a person it probably would not get charged unless you don't properly clasify it.

Basically if it's from a company, you can get charged if the dollar amount is high enough. Yes, it can be random sometimes, so some packages get by without getting 'caught.'

If it's sent from a person, then so long as it's marked properly (basically saying it is not a purchase), it should get by just fine.

Also, people getting things from Fed Ex or UPS, they should check to see if they can clear the packages through customs themselves. That way you don't have to pay a broker, just the applicable GST and/or PST. Save yourself a lot of money that way. The paper work doesn't really take to long.

watts

11-16-2005, 09:42 PM

1
hk+
6

Avatar_of_Chaos

11-16-2005, 10:21 PM

If you sent it as a person it probably would not get charged unless you don't properly clasify it.

Basically if it's from a company, you can get charged if the dollar amount is high enough. Yes, it can be random sometimes, so some packages get by without getting 'caught.'

If it's sent from a person, then so long as it's marked properly (basically saying it is not a purchase), it should get by just fine.

Also, people getting things from Fed Ex or UPS, they should check to see if they can clear the packages through customs themselves. That way you don't have to pay a broker, just the applicable GST and/or PST. Save yourself a lot of money that way. The paper work doesn't really take to long.

I never put it down as merchandise, I never put it down as being worth more than $2 and yet I get some charges and some no charges.

Dauntless

11-16-2005, 10:35 PM

I never put it down as merchandise, I never put it down as being worth more than $2 and yet I get some charges and some no charges.

What do you tell them though? Content, etc...
$2 can be to low, they get suspicious.

Avatar_of_Chaos

11-16-2005, 10:52 PM

between 1 and 4 action figures

Dauntless

11-16-2005, 10:55 PM

I mean what did you put down in the description, on the slip they give you to fill out.

Space Cadet

11-17-2005, 03:07 AM

this is bad news, the fedex rate on the site is almost double the usps rate ! so hopefully something else can be worked out ...

ah wheres the old days of $25 for the first item and $10 any additional item

tradingterry

11-17-2005, 07:48 AM

I dont think it's the USPS's fault, it's probably the incompetant postal service of ( Canada, Taiwan, United Kingdom, etc. ) that's giving the USPS a bad rep.

It's typically sad that you blame every other countries postal service but your own...take some responsibility man!

Avatar_of_Chaos

11-17-2005, 12:50 PM

I mean what did you put down in the description, on the slip they give you to fill out.

that's pretty much it sir,

zoomer

11-17-2005, 01:00 PM

how about leaning on fedex on our behalf to reduce their outrageous brokerage fees !! or switch to UPS brown!

Wingmanrob

11-17-2005, 01:19 PM

I dont think it's the USPS's fault, it's probably the incompetant postal service of ( Canada, Taiwan, United Kingdom, etc. ) that's giving the USPS a bad rep.

Well of COOUURRRSSSSEEEE it couldn't possibly be USPS fault, not Uncle Sam's finest, it's gotta be one of those damn countries fault. I bet they're commie's too right?

I'm surprised you haven't just blamed the French for infiltrating the postal service to reap revenge on the Americans for bad mouthing them.

Maybe it's terrorists taking all those great American products because every Muslim really wants to be "All American" just like you!!!

Seriously though. The British Royal Mail does allow you to track USPS Global Express parcels through their www.parcelforce.co.uk (http://www.parcelforce.co.uk) website. (An American probably owns the company I guess! :rolleyes: )

Sorrels

11-17-2005, 01:46 PM

Well of COOUURRRSSSSEEEE it couldn't possibly be USPS fault, not Uncle Sam's finest, it's gotta be one of those damn countries fault. I bet they're commie's too right?

I'm surprised you haven't just blamed the French for infiltrating the postal service to reap revenge on the Americans for bad mouthing them.

Maybe it's terrorists taking all those great American products because every Muslim really wants to be "All American" just like you!!!

Seriously though. The British Royal Mail does allow you to track USPS Global Express parcels through their www.parcelforce.co.uk (http://www.parcelforce.co.uk) website. (An American probably owns the company I guess! :rolleyes: )

LOL!!!! You crack me up!!

But damn, the stinky Brits hate the French more than we do...so I don't know why you got to bring that up.

And don't even get me started on the Muslims.

:p

Wingmanrob

11-17-2005, 02:15 PM

What about the French Muslim Liberals?? Now thats a bunch of people I can see invited round to the Searles household for afternoon tea and scones! :D

Peter Hoffman

11-17-2005, 03:17 PM

In my experience, USPS is by far the best service when ordering from the US. Other than the Spawn collector's club, I won't order from a store unless they ship via USPS.

gonzo#3

11-17-2005, 06:47 PM

I can't believe that.
I never had a problem with USPS or DHL which deliever in Germany!
USPS is much cheaper than any other Parcelservice.
Come on kick this countries out which ripped you off and send it further on via USPS to Germany!:(

watts

11-17-2005, 08:40 PM

I am remiss

Alucardblack

11-17-2005, 11:38 PM

I dont think it's the USPS's fault, it's probably the incompetant postal service of ( Canada, Taiwan, United Kingdom, etc. ) that's giving the USPS a bad rep.

Hmmmm I did'nt know that Canada was overseas;)

J. Shelton

11-17-2005, 11:45 PM

I've shipped over 1,000 packages shipped internationally using USPS since 1995. Only have two lost ones and they were both through surface mail across the Pacific. USPS should be offered at buyers risk only. Let the buyer decide if they want to take the risk at their cost.

HIROGEN

11-18-2005, 12:45 AM

Hmmmm I did'nt know that Canada was overseas;)

Who said Canada was overseas, all i said was Canada had poor postal service.

The Gollum

11-18-2005, 01:04 AM

I've had 2 packages sent by USPS to Canada that were returned after about 3 months of waiting in customs, and a third one in the works. If this one doesn't make it, I will never ship internationally via USPS again.

Alucardblack

11-18-2005, 01:14 AM

Who said Canada was overseas, all i said was Canada had poor postal service.

Yes, but Dave did ...and you posted Canada along with overseas places. Last time I checked Canada was not overseas to the U.S.

We may have some problems with our post, but I would'nt say it was more than your post, In fact I would'nt say it at all...cause I really don't know. Catch my drift yet?:eek:

jawstoyz

11-18-2005, 08:15 AM

USPS cheap...cost me 76us plus duty for my two cases and they were damaged to crap...

flesh_gordon

11-18-2005, 10:56 AM

can i atleast get an answer to my question???

Dauntless

11-18-2005, 09:51 PM

that's pretty much it sir,
There's gotta be a little bit more :p

Like what kinda serivce was it classified as, (Gift, etc..)
What name was in the 'sender' section? (Person or company)?

I'm sure you filled it out fine but it's the little things that get set off at the border that get some packages stopped.

Like 'action figure' instead of 'toys'

I just tell'em to put, 'used toys' or just plain 'toys' It helps.

Avatar_of_Chaos

11-18-2005, 10:51 PM

I mark it as gift and put down "Action Figure" and put the value between $1-$5. I also use my school's name to ship since they are an accepted international shipper.

Dauntless

11-18-2005, 10:57 PM

Avatar_of_Chaos

11-18-2005, 11:09 PM

Sadly I can see the school's name being the reason for it. Still some will get through, as you mentioned but that could be a reason for the stops.

But that's a little weird. Since I've never dealt with a school sending me anything I can't say for sure. Have you asked Fed Ex about that?

If I were to send it without the school as the sender then it would guaranteedly get stopped and changed with duty fees. Like I said, it seems so random. I always fill it out the same way. I have for 4 years and for every 6 that go through without a customs charge or duty there 1 that gets hit.

Dauntless

11-18-2005, 11:27 PM

I have never had any packages stopped that people have sent me. Just had to make sure they personally sent them. It wouldn't get stopped just because it had your name attatched.

Avatar_of_Chaos

11-18-2005, 11:33 PM

I have never had any packages stopped that people have sent me. Just had to make sure they personally sent them. It wouldn't get stopped just because it had your name attatched.

I'm telling you. Completely random :p

Dauntless

11-18-2005, 11:35 PM

I'm telling you. Completely random :p
I'll random you!! :p

(Don't ask, I have no idea what that means... :D)

rarechaselimitedvariation

11-19-2005, 07:57 AM

I only had one shipping option (FEDEX) both times I bought from the club, cost me $37

sharkier

11-19-2005, 08:00 AM

oh~~~ stayed away from forum for some time, USPS lost again???
but for EMS, i think that's really a good way to ship~ i do not have any problem with them~~~ and some cheaper than those courier delivery such as UPS/Fedex~~~
they are trackable, how could it be lost??? that's a pity

Avatar_of_Chaos

11-19-2005, 09:50 AM

I'll random you!! :p

(Don't ask, I have no idea what that means... :D)

*punches an unsuspecting gazelle*

MissAnne2u

11-19-2005, 11:54 AM

Dajistano

11-19-2005, 01:28 PM

Dave- chances of adding DHL to the shipping choices?

I've had nothing but A+ shipping from them in all areas.

Dauntless

11-19-2005, 07:51 PM

And Now I know why I only use UPS WorldShip .... they have never damaged, lost, or misdirected ANY of my packages and I ship to Canada on a daily basis from work.

I put it down as a "Gift", Action Figure with a value of under $10 ... never been charged a customs fee at all.

Now I don't know if it works for other countries as I have only shipped out of north america one time and shipped USPS Air Mail ... took 5 months to get to my friend in South Africa and it showed up opened, broken and parts missing. Next time ... its UPS Worldship!

Really?? Damn, I'm always scared when I have things shipped to me by UPS. They have damaged a lot of boxes and they lose a box here and there, they actually lost a shipment of mine that contained 10 boxes. They didn't lose one...not two but ALL TEN! How does ten boxes go missing?

Though they are more reliable then USPS for sure.

I think hand delivery's the way to go! McFarlane employees go door to door, it'd be great!

But then they'd get punched in the face by angry fan boys who don't like that they're figures were delivered upside down. :p

Dave- chances of adding DHL to the shipping choices?

I've had nothing but A+ shipping from them in all areas.
I haven't heard anything bad about them yet. They are a little stupid sometimes.